Carlsbad, New Mexico Activities River tour of Carlsbad on the George Washington Paddlewheel Boat Lake Carlsbad, located in the heart of the city, offers boating, fishing, paddle boat rentals, and paved boat ramps. But for a really unique view of Carlsbad, take the historic George Washington Paddlewheel Boat for a 45-minute tour up the Pecos River and through beautiful Carlsbad.